For many, traveling through the world of attorneys, probate courts, and complex laws often feels confusing. The team at Allen Texas Attorneys understands how finding appropriate legal representation can be challenging and strives to make their clients’ journey easier and less stressful.
Allen Texas Attorneys represents clients in Allen, Collin County, and surrounding North Texas areas. “What unites our team is our shared values and common goals,” reflects Elizabeth Dean, Senior Attorney and Founding Member. “These include service to the community, commitment to family, and professional legal advice at reasonable rates. We want to be accessible, especially for local family and small businesses. We work very closely with our clients to determine what their needs are, map out an action plan, and educate along the way.”
In 2025, the firm is focused on going deep, not wide, and showing up daily for its clients and nurturing relationships within the community. “My partner, Carolyn, and I give out our cell phone numbers to clients so they can reach us, even on weekends, if necessary,” Dean says.
In addition to a bustling for-profit client workload, the firm engages in multiple nonprofit service projects such as Toys for Tots, the Allen Food Pantry, Secret Santa, and sponsoring local school events such as basketball booster clubs or charity auctions.
Allen Texas Attorneys has four attorneys, four paralegals, and other support staff. “We choose staff based on their professionalism, their passion to help people, and having a good heart,” says Dean.
What makes Allen Texas Attorneys different from other law firms? Find out more about each team member:
Elizabeth Morrison Dean, Senior Attorney and Managing Member, is a native of Allen. "Throughout my life, I have actively volunteered with charitable organizations in North Texas, serving as the lead liaison for Allen Community Outreach (ACO) for 10 years. My commitment to service continues in my work for the community at Allen Texas Attorneys." Her core areas of focus include estate planning, probate, real estate, business formation, contract drafting and review, litigation, and general matters.
Carolyn Northcutt, Senior Attorney, Managing Member, CPA, and Real Estate Broker, founded the firm in 2000. Her expertise is in real estate, estate planning, probate, family, and business-related matters. “I love meeting with the people of our community, helping them clarify their goals, giving them options for dealing with their legal issues, and bringing resolution. When needed, I have visited clients at home, hospitals, and nursing homes. I take great responsibility in assisting my clients in our community.”
John Schulmeister, Attorney, focuses primarily on Criminal Defense, Juvenile, Probate, and Estate Planning. He was born and raised in Allen and graduated from Allen High School in 2008. John played Varsity Baseball for the Eagles, was named to the All-District Team, and continued the baseball legacy while at Austin College in Sherman, Texas. “One of the most rewarding parts of my practice is helping clients navigate the legal complexity after losing a loved one. It is already hard enough to lose someone dear. We, at Allen Texas Attorneys, are here to help ease that burden by walking our clients through the probate process, giving them not only peace of mind, but more time to focus on what matters: being with family.”
Kayla Smith Wood, Attorney, focuses on estate planning. She is an avid, worldwide traveler and the parent of a child with special needs. She understands the importance of and need for a customized estate plan, which may include wills, powers of attorney, designation of guardianship, and trusts. “Without a written estate plan, the state of Texas makes all those personal decisions, so it’s critical that individuals clearly document their instructions for medical care, distribution of assets, and care for young children. I’m here to guide clients through this important process.”
To learn more about the Allen Texas Attorneys team, please visit allentexasattorney.com or call (972) 390-1608.